Graduation

With eyes to the future and memories of hard work and lessons learned in the past, Southeast Missouri State University students will celebrate commencement this weekend.

The university will confer 1,333 degrees Saturday at the Show Me Center. Among those to be recognized are 1,048 undergraduates, 283 graduate and specialist candidates and two cooperative doctoral students.

Gary Downing, a Southeast alumnus and CEO of Insight Pharmaceuticals, will deliver the keynote address for the 2 p.m. commencement. A ceremony recognizing honors students will be in the morning.

In addition to the university, area high schools will soon graduate hundreds of students.

Commencement ceremonies, full of pomp and circumstance but also joyous memories, are significant events that represent milestone achievements. And in the spirit of the day, we offer a few nuggets of advice:

1.) Enjoy the day. While it's important to be forward-looking and prepare for the future, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy your graduation.

2.) Thank others. Parents, spouses, children, teachers. Whoever played an important role in your success, say "thank you."

3.) Keep learning. There's always something to learn. Though your degree represents a milestone achievement, it's not the finish line.

4.) Learn from others. Regardless of your field of study, find someone who has been successful and learn from them. Book knowledge is important, but there's no substitute for practical experience.

5.) Keep the faith. Life is not easy, but there's something to be said for perseverance. As Moses told the people of Israel: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." [Deuteronomy 31:6]

To each of the students, we offer our congratulations.